Photo credit: www.androidauthority.com
Corning Gorilla Glass has long been recognized as a leading protective glass solution in the smartphone industry, dating back to the launch of the original iPhone. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as a mark of quality, with many manufacturers incorporating it into their devices.
In recent years, however, a noticeable shift has emerged. While flagship Android devices from companies like Google and Samsung still utilize Gorilla Glass, rival brands such as HONOR, HUAWEI, and Xiaomi have begun opting for their proprietary glass solutions. This raises questions about the reasons behind this shift and its implications for consumers.
Do you care if your phone doesn’t have Gorilla Glass?
2426 votes
Yes, it’s Gorilla Glass or nothing for me
47%
Yes, but I’m happy with OEM solutions
41%
No Gorilla Glass and no OEM glass? No buy for me
12%
Reasons Behind the Shift to In-House Solutions
Initially, one might speculate that manufacturers are seeking to cut costs while maintaining durability. Corning is the leading player in protective glass technology and charges a premium for its products. Consequently, many budget smartphones often resort to older versions of Gorilla Glass or alternative third-party solutions, such as Asahi’s Dragontrail Glass.
HONOR, for instance, has explained that its decision to invest in its own glass-ceramic technology stemmed from necessity. In 2021, the market was lacking appropriate glass-ceramic options for curved-screen smartphones, prompting HONOR to develop its own solution. The HONOR Magic 3 Pro Plus was the first model to feature this in-house technology, followed by the 2024 HONOR Magic 6, which incorporated the next generation of their proprietary glass-ceramic, known as HONOR NanoCrystal Shield.
This signals that HONOR was open to using Gorilla Glass but found the desirable solution was unavailable at the time. The company clarified that while it employs its custom solutions for flagship models in the Magic series, it still utilizes Gorilla Glass and other third-party options in its Number and X series models. The higher cost of glass-ceramic versus traditional strengthened glass is a consideration for HONOR, which strives to offer enhanced durability while meeting the demands of lightweight design.
Xiaomi has similarly developed its own Shield Glass and Shield Glass 2.0, which it features on flagship models like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The company stated that its in-house protective glass was developed to optimize durability and user experience. However, Xiaomi also confirmed that it maintains a partnership with Corning for its more affordable smartphones, which continue to utilize Gorilla Glass.
Despite the initial high investment required for custom protective glass, it appears that the recent introduction of Corning’s Gorilla Glass Ceramic could potentially alter the landscape, providing more options for manufacturers looking for specialized solutions.
Assessing the Performance of Alternative Glasses
A key question remains: Are these OEM solutions superior to Gorilla Glass? Many smartphone manufacturers tend to compare their proprietary glass to traditional tempered glass rather than Gorilla Glass, which may not provide a valid basis for comparison given the differing quality levels.
HONOR has provided some technical details about its NanoCrystal Shield, explaining that the strength of traditional Gorilla Glass and other chemically strengthened glasses comes from chemical tempering, while their glass-ceramic’s strength derives from the presence of nanocrystals, improving its resistance to crack propagation. HONOR reported finding that conventional tempered glass fails ten times more often than its NanoCrystal Shield in drop tests, although a direct comparison with the latest Gorilla Glass variants is not established.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi claims its Shield Glass provides superior resistance to scratches and drops compared to standard tempered glass. The company emphasizes its commitment to selecting materials that enhance product performance, though specific head-to-head comparisons with Gorilla Glass haven’t been made public.
HUAWEI has also introduced its own Kunlun Glass, which purportedly offers enhanced scratch and drop resistance, but lacks detailed comparisons against Gorilla Glass. Still, they assert that their solution utilizes microcrystals to boost durability and performance.
Evaluating Non-Gorilla Glass Phones
With brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung sticking with Corning’s offerings, prospective buyers of devices with in-house glass solutions may wonder if such phones are a wise choice. So far, the emphasis on durability appears consistent among these proprietary solutions, even if they are not directly compared to the latest Gorilla Glass technologies such as Gorilla Armor.
The apparent absence of non-Samsung devices featuring Gorilla Armor suggests other manufacturers may not have access to Corning’s current top-tier technologies, signaling an interesting dynamic in the market. Although forgoing Gorilla Glass doesn’t necessarily imply inferior performance, potential buyers must consider the specific claims made by brands regarding their proprietary options.
HONOR’s acknowledgment of the higher costs associated with its ceramic glass indicates that the move to in-house solutions is not merely a cost-cutting measure. Most manufacturers opting for Gorilla Glass on budget models indicates they recognize the importance of durability in more affordable offerings.
Notably, Corning has differentiated its range with innovative offerings such as Gorilla Armor and Gorilla Armor 2, featuring enhancements like anti-glare coatings, an area where OEM solutions currently appear lacking. Therefore, while custom glass solutions can match or perhaps exceed older Gorilla Glass variants in durability, the experience offered by devices featuring Gorilla Armor may still have the edge in terms of overall aesthetic performance.
Source
www.androidauthority.com